ALEXANDER HAMILTON, ASTROPHYSICS STUDENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HULL, GOES FREE IN HULL

A second-year PhD student studying astrophysics at the University of Hull, Alexander Hamilton, aged 35, was acquitted and released from court despite possessing over 1,800 indecent images and videos of children and discussing child abuse in online chat rooms. Hull Crown Court heard that Hamilton was identified when police tracked him uploading an indecent image onto a chat room from his parents' home in Essex. Initially, Hamilton denied any knowledge of the upload when police visited him in Hull in March 2018, but he later admitted responsibility when authorities indicated they would obtain a warrant for his parents' address. During the investigation, multiple devices were recovered from both his and his parents’ residences, revealing he had kept 1,817 indecent images—including 62 videos—over an eight-year period. Among these were 554 'Category A' images, categorized as the most serious, involving penetrative sexual activity, sexual acts with animals, or sadism, according to Crown Prosecution Service guidelines. Police also uncovered an online conversation between Hamilton and another individual discussing child abuse involving a five-year-old and children aged seven or eight. Importantly, the court noted that Hamilton never physically harmed any children himself. Prosecutor Richard Woolfall explained that Hamilton told the court he had been "struggling for a number of years" and often deleted all his images to resist the urge, only to be drawn back into chat rooms. Woolfall added, "He was more interested in the discussions about abuse of children rather than the images. He said he preferred Category B and C images, as Category A images showing distress sickened him, prompting him to stop and delete everything at that point." Hamilton admitted to masturbating while viewing these images and recognized he needed help. Woolfall noted, "He accepted that he had urges, but he never acted on those urges." The court was told Hamilton did not commit any physical abuse but engaged in discussions about abuse in the chat rooms. These exchanges were described as fantasies, with volunteers leaving the discussions if they escalated into topics involving torture or very young children. Woolfall stated that Hamilton’s urges ultimately led to his arrest, explaining, "He had uploaded images and knew he might have been caught, but his mindset was such that he did not think rationally. It was a compulsion he had." In mitigation, Timothy Clark highlighted Hamilton’s honesty, stating, "There has been an unusual level of honesty in accepting that he has a problem." Clark described the difficulties Hamilton faced since police involvement, including Conversations with family and educators on sensitive topics. He emphasized that Hamilton posed no contact risk and had no previous convictions, noting his academic success. Clark added, "He has shown remorse, told police he needed help, and accepted responsibility." He also mentioned Hamilton’s mental health struggles linked to his offences, which have caused his studies to be put on hold, leaving it to the university to decide his future participation. Judge Bury addressed Hamilton directly during sentencing: "You are a highly intelligent man, you do not need me to tell you the seriousness of your position. You have, over a long period, accessed a large number of indecent images of children—over 550 of the most serious category. Each image represents an instance of child abuse, which is why these offences are grave." The judge added, "Because individuals like you view such images, there continues to be a demand, fueling ongoing child abuse." Despite holding these views and acknowledging the seriousness of the offences, Judge Bury decided to suspend Hamilton’s sentence. He explained, "You have no previous convictions, and your attitude, one of self-loathing and a desire to change, suggests you are likely to benefit from counseling and treatment to prevent reoffending." The judge warned, "Any repeat offences, especially during the period of suspension, will result in custody upon reoffense." Hamilton responded affirmatively when asked if he understood this, looking up during the hearing for the first time. For possessing the indecent images, Hamilton received a sentence of eight months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months. Additionally, he is required to complete up to 20 rehabilitation activity days. The court opted not to impose a curfew after requests from Hamilton’s parents, who stated his mental health declines notably when he is alone at night.